Homeland Security Degree: How Can I Get Started in this Field?
The US government is mandated to protect the interests and freedoms of its citizens, as well as ensure that no threats jeopardize the nation’s stability or the safety of its people. It does this through the Department of Homeland Security, which employs different professionals ranging from secret service agents to customs officers to help meet its mission.
If you are considering being part of this dignified workforce, a homeland security degree goes a long way in actualizing your professional aspirations. Let's take a look at what your options are and why education plays a major role in preparing you for your future responsibilities.
What is Homeland Security?
The Department of Homeland Security was created after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack to protect the interests, safety, and freedoms of the USA and its citizens. While homeland security is heavily associated with fighting terrorism, it’s also involved in dealing with disasters, cybersecurity, and securing the nation's borders.
Professionals in this field are charged with tracking, preventing, and catching perpetrators and threats that aim to jeopardize the stability and interests of the country and its citizens. They are also responsible for managing and mitigating the effects of both natural and manmade disasters.
Border Patrol
The US Border Patrol is one of America’s law enforcement agencies that deal with preventing and protecting the USA from illegal activity in its borders, both on land and in the sea. Border patrol agents work to prevent terrorists and contraband from getting into the country. They also ensure that smuggling (including drug and human trafficking) does not take place at the nation’s borders.
Intelligence Gathering
Information is a critical asset in guaranteeing the safety of the United States and its citizens. Intelligence gathering involves the acquisition and analysis of crucial information needed to facilitate security operations. Intelligence gathering is broken down into various disciplines depending on the manner in which information is collected.
You could go into cyber intelligence if you are more inclined to technology, or human intelligence if you enjoy direct human interactions. It all boils down to preference and competence.
Private Security
As opposed to working for the government and government agencies, private security personnel is hired to provide protection and security to individuals and businesses. They typically work for retail stores, financial institutions, hospitals as well as wealthy individuals in need of private security guards.
As part of private security personnel, you may be required to use advanced technology in monitoring and surveillance, as well as weapons for combating security threats.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Working in homeland security doesn’t necessarily mean you are limited to fighting crime. FEMA deals with the disaster response and recovery aspect of homeland security by coordinating the government’s role in disaster preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery.
As an employee of FEMA, you could not only deal with hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, but also acts of terror.
Transportation Protection/Security
Transportation protection falls under the Transportation Security Administration, which is tasked with ensuring the security of the nation’s transport system. TSA agents screen people and goods to ensure compliance with TSA laws and regulations. As part of the TSA workforce, you can expect to work in airports, seaports, and train stations. TSA also supports the safety of other land transportation modes like highways and pipelines.
Regardless of your specialization, you require resilience, situational awareness, and problem-solving skills to handle the daily challenges that come with performing your duties.
How Formal Education Helps Build the Necessary Skills for Homeland Security Jobs
There is no underestimating the importance of formal education in preparing you for your future responsibilities in homeland security. A degree majoring in homeland security should provide you with essential knowledge and skills to effectively execute your duties.
Formal education should cover important aspects including counter-terrorism, emergency planning, as well as law enforcement and homeland security operations. The background training you get equips you to readily handle any tasks you will be assigned depending on the path you choose. You will be well equipped to come up with security and response plans, handle emergency situations and perform security surveys among other functions.
Kick-Start Your Future with A Degree in Homeland Security
Would you like to dedicate your time and efforts securing the safety of your country and its citizens? ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree with a concentration in Homeland Security at an accelerated pace. Connect with one of our admission representatives today to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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